The Bridging Fellowship will study cellular circuits that underpin fibrosis resolution during soft tissue joint disease.
Stephanie commented: ‘I am delighted to receive continued support from Versus Arthritis, which will advance the study of the mechanisms underpinning resolution of frozen shoulder, a self-limiting fibrotic disease caused by scarring of the tissue. This Fellowship will identify new therapies to accelerate resolution of frozen shoulder and identify the cues that limit fibrosis of other musculoskeletal tissues. I look forward to continued engagement with Versus Arthritis and our fantastic team of collaborators during this Bridging Fellowship’
Frozen shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain that affects 3% of the global and 10% of the working population. Caused by profound inflammation and fibrosis of the joint capsule, the shoulder is effectively 'stuck' or 'frozen' with patients experiencing symptoms for 2-5 years. Current treatments including physiotherapy, corticosteroid injection, manipulation under anaesthesia and arthroscopic capsular release surgery do not dramatically improve symptoms for patients, highlighting the requirement for effective new treatments.